Modular footwear sole systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of forming a modular footwear sole. The modular sole includes a midsole layer having a first attachment fixture disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the midsole layer. A heel member includes a deformable heel layer that includes a plurality of deformable elements having the same or different mechanical properties. The heel member includes a second attachment fixture that couples to the first attachment fixture. An outsole member includes a deformable outsole layer that includes a plurality of deformable elements having the same or different mechanical properties. The outsole member includes a third attachment fixture that couples to the first attachment fixture. The deformable elements may be selected based on a user&#39;s foot pressure map.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Appln. Ser. No.63/107,875 filed Oct. 30, 2020, the teachings of which are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear, more specifically tofootwear featuring replaceable sole portions.

BACKGROUND

Running shoes, today, have two major flaws. The first is theirlongevity; in particular, running shoes tend to both wear through theheel's tread as well as see significant decay in the performance of anyshock absorption features in the heel. For these reasons, runners tendto change running shoes often (for instance every 200 miles). Note thatan average good quality pair of running shoes ranges between $150 and$200. The second problem stems from the fact that running shoes are massproduced and, therefore, their performance—especially in terms of shockabsorption—might not be ideal for a specific individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter will become apparent as the following Detailed Descriptionproceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numeralsdesignate like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an illustrative footwear system thatincludes a flexible midsole member that includes a first attachmentfixture to which a heel member and/or an outsole member may be coupled,in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of an illustrative modularsole, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a number of perspective views of an illustrative modularsole, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user biometric data, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user biometric data, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user biometric data, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative system in which a modular sole thatincludes a deformable heel portion and a deformable outsole portion hasbeen configured based on user biometric data, such as a foot pressuremap, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user having a pronating fore-foot strike, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular sole100 based on user having a supinating fore-foot strike, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user having a pronating heel strike, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user having a supinating heel strike, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user having a pronating stance, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative system useful for selecting a deformableheel portion and a deformable outsole portion to provide a modular solebased on user having a supinating stance, in accordance with at leastone embodiment described herein;

FIG. 14 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method offorming a modular sole, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein; and

FIG. 15 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method offorming footwear having a modular sole, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein.

Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with referencebeing made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modificationsand variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein beneficially provide a footwearsystem that enables a wearer to selectively replace portions of the soleof the footwear. In particular, the footwear systems and methodsdescribed herein include a flexible midsole that includes an attachmentfixture positioned on the lower surface of the flexible midsole. Theattachment fixture permits the attachment of a heel to a first portionof the attachment fixture and an outsole to a second portion of theattachment fixture. The heel features a layered construction thatincludes an upper heel portion and a lower heel portion separated by adeformable heel portion. Similarly, the outsole features a layeredconstruction that includes an upper outsole portion and a lower outsoleportion separated by a deformable outsole portion. The deformableportion of either or both the heel and the outsole may incorporate aplurality of deformable elements to provide desired material propertiesand stiffness.

In some instances, the plurality of deformable elements may be selectedsuch that each deformable element includes a similar physicalconfiguration and is fabricated using one or more materials. Suchconstruction may provide uniform material properties and stiffness. Byaltering the physical configuration and/or the composition of theplurality of deformable elements, heels and/or outsoles may bemanufactured having differing material properties with low, medium, orhigh stiffness.

In other instances, each of the plurality of deformable elements may beselected such that each deformable element has a specific physicalconfiguration to provide a specific stiffness and material properties.By tailoring each of the deformable elements to provide a specificmaterial property and stiffness, the heel and/or outsole may be customtailored to an individual's foot structure and stride.

A footwear apparatus is provided. The footwear apparatus includes: aflexible midsole member having an upper surface and a lower surface, theflexible midsole member including a first attachment fixture disposed onthe lower surface; a heel member having a second attachment fixture toengage at least a first portion of the first attachment fixture, thesecond attachment fixture to maintain the heel member proximate thelower surface of the flexible midsole member. The heel member mayinclude: an upper heel portion; a lower heel portion; and a deformableheel portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion.The footwear apparatus may also include: an outsole member having athird attachment fixture to engage at least a second portion of thefirst attachment fixture, the third attachment fixture to maintain theoutsole member proximate the lower surface of the flexible midsolemember. The outsole member may include: an upper outsole portion; alower outsole portion; and a deformable outsole portion disposed betweenthe upper portion and the lower portion.

A footwear assembly method is provided. The method may include: forminga first attachment fixture on at least a portion of a lower surface of aflexible midsole member, coupling a heel member to a first portion ofthe lower surface of the flexible midsole member, the heel member havinga second attachment fixture to engage at least a first portion of thefirst attachment fixture. The heel member may include: an upper heelportion, a lower heel portion, and a deformable heel portion disposedbetween the upper portion and the lower portion. The method may furtherinclude: coupling an outsole member to a second portion of the lowersurface of the flexible midsole member, the outsole member having athird attachment fixture to engage at least a second portion of thefirst attachment fixture. The outsole member may include: an upperoutsole portion; a lower outsole portion; and a deformable outsoleportion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion.

FIG. 1 depicts an elevation, exploded view, of an illustrative footwearsystem 100 that includes a flexible midsole member 110 that includes afirst attachment fixture 112 to which a heel member 120 and/or anoutsole member 140 may be coupled, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 1 , an upper footwearportion 160 may be coupled to the flexible midsole member 110. Theflexible midsole member 110 includes an upper surface 112 and lowersurface 114. A first attachment fixture 116 may disposed, positioned, orotherwise incorporated into at least a portion of the lower surface 114of the flexible midsole member 110.

The flexible midsole member 110 may be fabricated using one or morematerials. For example, the forward portion of the flexible midsolemember 110 (i.e., the portion of the flexible midsole member 110extending from in front of the first attachment fixture 116 to the toeportion of the flexible midsole member 110) may be fabricated using afirst material having a first set of material properties and the rearportion of the flexible midsole member 110 (i.e., the portion of theflexible midsole member 110 extending from behind the first attachmentfixture 116 to the heel portion of the flexible midsole member 110) maybe fabricated using a second material having a second set of materialproperties at least some of which differ (i.e., is greater than or lessthan) from the first set of material properties. In embodiments, theflexible midsole member 110 may have a uniform or non-uniform thickness.In embodiments, the first attachment fixture 116 may be fabricated usinga different material than the flexible midsole member 110.

The heel member 120 includes an upper surface 122, a lower surface 124,and a second attachment fixture 126. The second attachment fixture 126may couple to a first portion of the first attachment fixture 116 on thelower surface of the flexible midsole member 110. In embodiments, whenthe heel member 120 couples to the flexible midsole member 110, all or aportion of the upper surface 122 of the heel member 120 is disposedproximate at least a portion of the lower surface 114 of the flexiblemidsole member 110. The heel member 120 incorporates a layeredconstruction that includes an upper heel portion 130 and a lower heelportion 134 separated by a deformable heel portion 132. In embodiments,the lower heel portion 134 may include any number or combination ofgrooves, recesses, embossments, patterns, or similar to achieve adesired friction and/or traction between the heel member 120 and asurface that the heel member 120 contacts. For example, where footwear100 includes an athletic or running shoe, the heel member 120 mayinclude a pattern conducive to performing the athletic activity orrunning.

In embodiments, the second attachment fixture 126 permits the detachableattachment of the heel member 120 to the flexible midsole member 110.Such an arrangement beneficially permits the replacement of thetypically high-wear heel member 120 with a replacement heel member 120.In such embodiments, the second attachment fixture 126 may include anynumber and/or combination of physical clips, latches, hooks, threadedfasteners, barbed fasteners, chemical adhesives, thermally activatedadhesives, or similar useful for detachably attaching the heel member120 to the flexible midsole member 110. In other embodiments, the secondattachment fixture 126 permits the permanent attachment of the heelmember 120 to the flexible midsole member 110 (e.g., non-removeablewithout destruction of either or both the heel member 120 and/or theflexible midsole member 110). In such embodiments, the second attachmentfixture may include any number and/or combination of non-removeablefasteners, chemically activated adhesives, thermally activatedadhesives, and similar.

The outsole member 140 includes an upper surface 142, a lower surface144, and a third attachment fixture 146. The third attachment fixture146 may couple to a second portion of the first attachment fixture 116on the lower surface of the flexible midsole member 110. In embodiments,when the outsole member 140 couples to the flexible midsole member 110,all or a portion of the upper surface 142 of the outsole member 140 isdisposed proximate at least a portion of the lower surface 114 of theflexible midsole member 110. In embodiments, the outsole member 140includes a layered construction that includes at least an upper outsoleportion 150 and a lower outsole portion 154 separated by a deformableoutsole portion 152. In embodiments, the lower outsole portion 154 mayinclude any number or combination of grooves, recesses, embossments,patterns, or similar to achieve a desired friction and/or tractionbetween the outsole member 140 and a surface that the outsole member 140contacts. For example, where footwear 100 includes an athletic orrunning shoe, the outsole member 140 may include a pattern conducive toperforming the athletic activity or running.

In embodiments, the third attachment fixture 146 permits the detachableattachment of the outsole member 140 to the flexible midsole member 110.Such an arrangement beneficially permits the replacement of thetypically high-wear outsole member 140 with a replacement outsole member140. In such embodiments, the third attachment fixture 146 may includeany number and/or combination of physical clips, latches, hooks,threaded fasteners, barbed fasteners, chemical adhesives, thermallyactivated adhesives, or similar useful for detachably attaching theoutsole member 140 to the flexible midsole member 110. In otherembodiments, the third attachment fixture 146 permits the permanentattachment of the outsole member 140 to the flexible midsole member 110(e.g., non-removeable without destruction of either or both the outsolemember 140 and/or the flexible midsole member 110). In such embodiments,the third attachment fixture 146 may include any number and/orcombination of non-removeable fasteners, chemically activated adhesives,thermally activated adhesives, and similar.

The upper footwear portion 160 may include any type of currentlyavailable and/or future developed footwear. Non-limiting examples ofsuch footwear includes but is not limited to athletic footwear, businessfootwear, formal footwear, informal footwear, and/or casual footwear.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of an illustrative modularsole 200, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.As depicted in FIG. 2 , one or more surface features 202 may bedisposed, formed, or otherwise incorporated into the lower surface of arear portion of the flexible midsole member 110. Similarly, one or moresurface features 204 may be disposed, formed, or otherwise incorporatedinto the lower surface of a front portion of the flexible midsole member110. In embodiments, the one or more surface features 202 include aplurality of evenly or unevenly spaced ridges disposed, formed, orotherwise incorporated into the lower surface of the rear portion of theflexible midsole member 110. In other embodiments, the one or moresurface features 202 may include any number and/or combination ofgeometric patterns such as circles, ovals, triangles, polygons, andsimilar. In embodiments, the one or more surface features 204 include aplurality of evenly or unevenly spaced ridges disposed, formed, orotherwise incorporated into the lower surface of the front portion ofthe flexible midsole member 110. In other embodiments, the one or moresurface features 204 may include any number and/or combination ofgeometric patterns such as circles, ovals, triangles, polygons, andsimilar.

In embodiments, one or more surface features 212 are disposed, formed,or otherwise incorporated into at least a portion of the upper surface122 of the heel member 120. In such embodiments, the one or more surfacefeatures 212 are complimentary to the one or more surface features 202formed into the lower surface of a rear portion of the flexible midsolemember 110. In at least some implementations, the one or more surfacefeatures 212 may be formed integral with the upper heel portion 130. Inembodiments, the one or more surface features 212 include a plurality ofevenly or unevenly spaced ridges disposed, formed, or otherwiseincorporated into the upper surface of at least a portion of the upperheel portion 130. In other embodiments, the one or more surface features212 may include any number and/or combination of geometric patterns suchas circles, ovals, triangles, polygons, and similar.

In embodiments, one or more surface features 214 are disposed, formed,or otherwise incorporated into at least a portion of the upper surface142 of the outsole member 140. In such embodiments, the one or moresurface features 214 are complimentary to the one or more surfacefeatures 204 formed into at least a portion of the lower surface of afront portion of the flexible midsole member 110. In at least someimplementations, the one or more surface features 214 may be formedintegral with the upper outsole portion 150. In embodiments, the one ormore surface features 214 include a plurality of evenly or unevenlyspaced ridges disposed, formed, or otherwise incorporated into the uppersurface of at least a portion of the upper outsole portion 150. In otherembodiments, the one or more surface features 214 may include any numberand/or combination of geometric patterns such as circles, ovals,triangles, polygons, and similar.

FIG. 3 depicts a number of perspective views of an illustrative modularsole 300, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.As depicted in FIG. 3 , the deformable heel portion 132 may include aplurality of deformable elements 302A-302 n (collectively, “deformableelements 302”). Similarly, the outsole layer 152 may include a pluralityof deformable elements 312A-312 n (collectively, “deformable elements312”).

In embodiments, the deformable elements 302 may include any numberand/or combination of flexible members. The deformable elements 302included in the deformable heel portion 132 may be arranged to form aregular or irregular pattern between the upper heel portion 130 and thelower heel portion 134. The deformable elements 302 may includedeformable gas filled members, deformable spring members, deformablelinear or non-linear spring-mass dampers, deformable elastomericelements, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the deformableelements 302 may each have the same or similar mechanicalcharacteristics. In other embodiments, the deformable elements 302 mayeach have a different mechanical characteristics. In embodiments, thedeformable elements 302 may have similar mechanical characteristics andmay be evenly distributed between the upper heel portion 130 and thelower heel portion 134.

In some implementations, the deformable elements 302 may be selectedsuch that the heel member 120 may have a number of standard levels ofstiffness and material properties. In some implementations, thedeformable elements 302 may be selected based upon the forces exerted onthe modular sole 300 by the foot of the wearer. For example, inlocations having high compression (e.g., where a user's heel strikes theheel member 120) a greater number of deformable elements 302 may bepositioned compared to locations having lower compression (e.g., aboutthe periphery of the user's heel) where a lesser number of relativelysofter deformable elements 302 may be positioned.

In embodiments, the deformable elements 312 may include any numberand/or combination of flexible members. The deformable elements 312included in the deformable outsole portion 152 may be arranged to form aregular or irregular pattern between the upper outsole portion 150 andthe lower outsole portion 154. The deformable elements 312 may includedeformable gas filled members, deformable spring members, deformablelinear or non-linear spring-mass dampers, deformable elastomericelements, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the deformableelements 312 may each have the same or similar mechanical properties. Inother embodiments, the deformable elements 312 may each have a differentmechanical properties. In embodiments, the deformable elements 312 mayhave similar mechanical properties and may be evenly distributed betweenthe upper outsole portion 130 and the lower outsole portion 134.

In some implementations, the deformable elements 312 may be selectedsuch that the outsole member 140 may have a number of standard levels ofstiffness and material properties. In some implementations, thedeformable elements 312 may be selected based upon the forces exerted onthe modular sole 300 by the foot of the wearer. For example, inlocations having high compression (e.g., in the area of the user's ball)a greater number of deformable elements 312 may be positioned comparedto locations having lower compression (e.g., in the area of the user'sarch) where a lesser number of relatively softer deformable elements 312may be positioned.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative system 400 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user biometric data, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 4 ,biometric data, such as a user's foot pressure map 402 may be used toselect an appropriate number, stiffness, and/or pattern of thedeformable elements 302 included in the deformable heel portion 132 andan appropriate number, stiffness, and/or pattern of the deformableelements 312 included in the deformable outsole portion 152. The threedimensional plot 410 includes a plot of stiffness 412 of each of thedeformable elements 302 as a function of x-y location 414, 416 withinthe deformable heel portion 132 and within the deformable outsoleportion 152.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative system 500 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user biometric data, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 5 ,the deformable elements 302 included in the deformable heel portion 132and the deformable elements 312 included in the deformable outsoleportion 152 may, in some implementations include a regularly spacedfield (e.g., regularly or evenly spaced deformable elements 302, 312—thedistance between the elements does not vary within a defined toleranceor positional deviation limit) of linear or non-linear resonators502A-502 n arranged in a matrix having a number of rows 510 and a numberof columns 520. In other embodiments, the deformable elements 302included in the deformable heel portion 132 and/or the deformableelements 312 included in the deformable outsole portion 152 may bearranged in an irregularly spaced field (e.g., irregularly or unevenlyspaced deformable elements 302, 312—the distance between the elementsvaries). In embodiments, the linear or non-linear resonators 502A-502 nmay have the same or different mechanical properties (e.g., damping)across the deformable heel portion 132. In embodiments, the linear ornon-linear resonators 502A-502 n may have the same or differentmechanical properties (e.g., damping) across the deformable outsoleportion 152.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative system 600 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user biometric data, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG. 6 ,biometric data, such as a user's foot pressure map 602 may be used toselect an appropriate number, stiffness, and/or pattern of thedeformable elements 302 included in the deformable heel portion 132 andan appropriate number, stiffness, and/or pattern of the deformableelements 312 included in the deformable outsole portion 152. The threedimensional plot 610 includes a plot of stiffness 612 of each of thedeformable elements 302 as a function of x-y location 614, 616 withinthe deformable heel portion 132 and within the deformable outsoleportion 152.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative system 700 in which a modular sole 100that includes a deformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsoleportion 152 has been configured based on user biometric data, such as afoot pressure map 702, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. As depicted in FIG. 7 , biometric data, such as auser's foot pressure map 702 may be used to select an appropriatenumber, stiffness, and/or pattern of the deformable elements 302included in the heel portion 120 affixed to the flexible midsole member110 and an appropriate number, stiffness, material properties, and/orpattern of the deformable elements 312 included in the outsole portion140 affixed to the flexible midsole member 110.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative system 800 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a pronating fore-footstrike, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 8 , the foot pressure map 802 indicates the userstrikes relatively harder on the inside portion of the ball of the footand relatively lighter on the heel. Thus, based on the plot 810, a fieldof relatively stiffer deformable elements 312 are included where theuser's foot strike occurs—the portion of the deformable outsole portion152 along the user's big toe. As depicted in FIG. 8 , and evident inplot 810, a field of relatively softer deformable elements 302 areincluded in the deformable heel portion 132 of the heel member 120.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative system 900 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a supinating fore-footstrike, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 9 , the foot pressure map 902 indicates the userstrikes relatively harder on the outside portion of the ball of the foot904 and relatively lighter on the heel. Thus, based on the plot 910, afield of relatively stiffer deformable elements 312 are included wherethe user's foot strike occurs—the portion of the deformable outsoleportion 152 proximate the user's little toe 904. Also as depicted inFIG. 9 , and evident in plot 910, a field of relatively softerdeformable elements 302 are included in the deformable heel portion 132of the heel member 120.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative system 1000 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a pronating heel strike,in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depictedin FIG. 10 , the foot pressure map 1002 indicates the user strikesrelatively harder on the heel and relatively lighter strike on the ballof the foot. Thus, based on the plot 1010, a field of relatively stifferdeformable elements 302 are included proximate the location 1004 wherethe user's heel strike occurs—the portion of the deformable heel portion132 proximate the user's heel 1004. Also as depicted in FIG. 10 , andevident in plot 1010, a field of relatively softer deformable elements312 are included in the deformable outsole portion 152 of the outsolemember 140.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative system 1100 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a supinating heelstrike, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 11 , the foot pressure map 1102 indicates the userstrikes relatively harder at a location 1104 on the heel and relativelylighter strike on the ball of the foot. Thus, based on the plot 1110, afield of relatively stiffer deformable elements 302 are includedproximate the location 1104 where the user's heel strike occurs—theportion of the deformable heel portion 132 proximate the user's heel1104. Also as depicted in FIG. 11 , and evident in plot 1110, a field ofrelatively softer deformable elements 312 are included in the deformableoutsole portion 152 of the outsole member 140.

FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative system 1200 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a pronating stance, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted inFIG. 12 , the foot pressure map 1202 indicates that, when standing, theuser places relatively greater pressure at a first location 1204 on theinside portion of the ball of the foot and a second location 1206 on theheel. Thus, based on the plot 1210, a field of relatively stifferdeformable elements 302 are included proximate the location 1206 wherepressure is placed on the user's heel and a field of relatively stifferdeformable elements 312 are included proximate the location 1204 wherepressure is placed on the ball of the user's foot. Also as depicted inFIG. 12 , and evident in plot 1210, a field of relatively softerdeformable elements 302 are included in the areas of the deformable heelportion 132 and a field of relatively softer deformable elements 312 areincluded in the areas of the deformable outsole portion 152 where theuser's foot exerts a relatively lower pressure when standing.

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative system 1300 useful for selecting adeformable heel portion 132 and a deformable outsole portion 152 toprovide a modular sole 100 based on user having a supinating stance, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted inFIG. 13 , the foot pressure map 1302 indicates that, when standing, theuser places relatively greater pressure at a first location 1304 on theoutside portion of the ball of the foot and a second location 1306 onthe heel. Thus, based on the plot 1310, a field of relatively stifferdeformable elements 302 are included proximate the location 1306 wherepressure is placed on the user's heel and a field of relatively stifferdeformable elements 312 are included proximate the location 1304 wherepressure is placed on the ball of the user's foot. Also as depicted inFIG. 13 , and evident in plot 1310, a field of relatively softerdeformable elements 302 are included in the areas of the deformable heelportion 132 and a field of relatively softer deformable elements 312 areincluded in the areas of the deformable outsole portion 152 where theuser's foot exerts a relatively lower pressure when standing.

FIG. 14 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method 1400of forming a modular sole, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. The modular sole includes a flexible midsole layer 110having a first attachment fixture 116, a heel member 120 having a secondattachment fixture 126 that couples to at least a portion of the firstattachment fixture 116, and an outsole member 140 having a thirdattachment fixture 146 that couples to at least a portion of the firstattachment fixture 116. The method 1400 commences at 1402.

At 1404, the first attachment fixture 116 is formed in, on, about, oracross at least a portion of the lower surface 114 of the flexiblemidsole layer 110. In embodiments, the first attachment fixture 116includes a first attachment portion to which the heel member 120 may bepermanently affixed and/or detachably attached. In embodiments, thefirst attachment fixture 116 may include a second attachment portion towhich the outsole member 140 may be permanently affixed and/ordetachably attached.

At 1406, a second attachment fixture 126 on the heel member 120 couplesto at least a portion of the first attachment fixture 116. Aftercoupling to the first attachment fixture 116, the heel member 120 isdisposed proximate at least a portion of the lower surface 114 of theflexible midsole layer 110. In embodiments, one or more surface features212 disposed, formed, incorporated, or otherwise attached to at least aportion of the upper surface 122 of the heel member 120 may engage oneor more complimentary surface features 202 disposed, formed,incorporated, or otherwise attached to at least a portion of the lowersurface 114 of the flexible midsole layer 110. In embodiments, the heelmember 120 is permanently affixed to the flexible midsole layer 110. Inother embodiments, the heel member 120 is detachably attached to theflexible midsole layer 110.

At 1408, a third attachment fixture 146 on the outsole member 140couples to at least a portion of the first attachment fixture 116. Aftercoupling to the first attachment fixture 116, the outsole member 140 isdisposed proximate at least a portion of the lower surface 114 of theflexible midsole layer 110. In embodiments, one or more surface features214 disposed, formed, incorporated, or otherwise attached to at least aportion of the upper surface 142 of the outsole member 140 may engageone or more complimentary surface features 204 disposed, formed,incorporated, or otherwise attached to at least a portion of the lowersurface 114 of the flexible midsole layer 110. In embodiments, theoutsole member 140 is permanently affixed to the flexible midsole layer110. In other embodiments, the outsole member 140 is detachably attachedto the flexible midsole layer 110. The method 1400 concludes at 1410.

FIG. 15 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method 1500of forming footwear having a modular sole, in accordance with at leastone embodiment described herein. A footwear upper 160 may be affixed orotherwise permanently or detachably attached to at least a portion ofthe upper surface 112 of the flexible midsole layer 110. In embodiments,the detachable attachment of the footwear upper 160 to the flexiblemidsole layer 110 beneficially permits changing the type, style, color,or decoration of the footwear upper 160 to accommodate the user's needsor wishes. For example, to participate in an athletic event, a user maydetachably attach an athletic shoe upper 160 to the flexible midsolelayer 110 and to attend a formal event, the user may detach the athleticshoe upper 160 from the flexible midsole layer 110 and attach a formalshoe upper to the flexible midsole layer 110. The method 1500 commencesat 1502.

At 1504, a footwear upper 160 is permanently or detachably attached toat least a portion of the upper surface 112 of the flexible midsolelayer 110. In embodiments, the footwear upper 160 may be permanentlyaffixed via stitching, fasteners, thermally activated adhesives,chemically activated adhesives, or any combination thereof. Inembodiments, the footwear upper 160 may be detachably attached to theflexible midsole layer 110 using removable fasteners, latches, orsimilar removable attachment devices. The method 1500 concludes at 1506.

As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined bythe term “and/or” can mean any combination of the listed items. Forexample, the phrase “A, B and/or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C;B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and in the claims, alist of items joined by the term “at least one of” can mean anycombination of the listed terms. For example, the phrases “at least oneof A, B or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B andC.

Thus, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods offorming a modular footwear sole. The modular sole includes a flexiblemidsole layer having a first attachment fixture disposed on at least aportion of the lower surface of the flexible midsole layer. A heelmember includes a deformable heel layer that includes a plurality ofdeformable elements having the same or different mechanical properties.The heel member includes a second attachment fixture that couples to thefirst attachment fixture. An outsole member includes a deformableoutsole layer that includes a plurality of deformable elements havingthe same or different mechanical properties. The outsole member includesa third attachment fixture that couples to the first attachment fixture.The deformable elements may be selected based on a user's foot pressuremap.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention,in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalentsof the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it isrecognized that various modifications are possible within the scope ofthe claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all suchequivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have beendescribed herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptibleto combination with one another as well as to variation andmodification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art.The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompasssuch combinations, variations, and modifications.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

What is claimed:
 1. A footwear apparatus, comprising: a midsole memberhaving an upper surface and a lower surface, the midsole memberincluding a first attachment fixture disposed on the lower surface; aheel member having a second attachment fixture to engage at least afirst portion of the first attachment fixture, the second attachmentfixture to maintain the heel member proximate the lower surface of themidsole member; wherein the heel member includes: an upper heel portion;a lower heel portion; and a deformable heel portion disposed between theupper portion and the lower portion; an outsole member having a thirdattachment fixture to engage at least a second portion of the firstattachment fixture, the third attachment fixture to maintain the outsolemember proximate the lower surface of the midsole member; wherein theoutsole member includes: an upper outsole portion; a lower outsoleportion; and a deformable outsole portion disposed between the upperportion and the lower portion.
 2. The footwear apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: an upper portion couplable to the upper surface ofthe midsole member.
 3. The footwear apparatus of claim 1 wherein thedeformable heel portion comprises a plurality of deformable elements. 4.The footwear apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality of deformableelements comprise a plurality of linear or non-linear spring-massdampers.
 5. The footwear apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality ofdeformable elements comprise a plurality of deformable elements, each ofthe plurality of deformable elements formed using a material having thesame mechanical properties.
 6. The footwear apparatus of claim 3 whereinthe plurality of deformable elements comprise a plurality of deformableelements, at least two of the plurality of deformable elements formedusing materials having different mechanical properties.
 7. The footwearapparatus of claim 1 wherein the second attachment fixture permits thedetachable attachment of the heel member to the lower surface of themidsole member.
 8. The footwear apparatus of claim 1: wherein the uppersurface of the heel member includes a plurality of surface features; andwherein the lower surface of the midsole member includes a plurality ofsurface features complimentary to the surface features on upper surfaceof the heel member.
 9. The footwear apparatus of claim 1 wherein thedeformable outsole portion comprises a plurality of deformable elements.10. The footwear apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality ofdeformable elements comprise a plurality of linear and non-linearspring-mass dampers.
 11. The footwear apparatus of claim 9 wherein theplurality of deformable elements comprise a plurality of deformableelements, each of the plurality of deformable elements formed using amaterial having the same mechanical properties.
 12. The footwearapparatus of claim 9 wherein the plurality of deformable elementscomprise a plurality of deformable elements, at least two of theplurality of deformable elements formed using materials having differentmechanical properties.
 13. The footwear apparatus of claim 1 wherein thethird attachment fixture permits the detachable attachment of theoutsole member to the lower surface of the midsole member.
 14. Thefootwear apparatus of claim 1: wherein the upper surface of the outsolemember includes a plurality of surface features; and wherein the lowersurface of the midsole member includes a plurality of surface featurescomplimentary to the surface features on upper surface of the outsolemember.
 15. A method of forming a footwear sole, the method comprising:forming a first attachment fixture on at least a portion of a lowersurface of a midsole member; coupling a heel member to a first portionof the lower surface of the midsole member, the heel member having asecond attachment fixture to engage at least a first portion of thefirst attachment fixture; wherein the heel member includes: an upperheel portion; a lower heel portion; and a deformable heel portiondisposed between the upper portion and the lower portion; coupling anoutsole member to a second portion of the lower surface of the midsolemember, the outsole member having a third attachment fixture to engageat least a second portion of the first attachment fixture; wherein theoutsole member includes: an upper outsole portion; a lower outsoleportion; and a deformable outsole portion disposed between the upperportion and the lower portion.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: coupling an upper shoe portion to at least a portion of anupper surface of the midsole member.
 17. The method of claim 15 whereincoupling the heel member to the first portion of the lower surface ofthe midsole member further comprises: coupling the heel member to thefirst portion of the lower surface of the midsole member, wherein thedeformable heel portion comprises a plurality of deformable elements.18. The method of claim 15 wherein coupling the heel member to the firstportion of the lower surface of the flexible midsole member, wherein thedeformable heel portion includes the plurality of deformable elementsfurther comprises: coupling the heel member to the first portion of thelower surface of the midsole member, wherein the plurality of deformableelements comprise a plurality of linear or non-linear spring-massdampers.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein coupling the heel member tothe first portion of the lower surface of the midsole member, whereinthe deformable heel portion includes the plurality of deformableelements further comprises: coupling the heel member to the firstportion of the lower surface of the flexible midsole member, wherein theplurality of deformable elements comprise a plurality of deformableelements, each of the plurality of deformable elements formed using amaterial having the same mechanical properties.
 20. The method of claim15 wherein coupling the heel member to the first portion of the lowersurface of the midsole member, wherein the deformable heel portionincludes the plurality of deformable elements further comprises:coupling the heel member to the first portion of the lower surface ofthe flexible midsole member, wherein the plurality of deformableelements comprise a plurality of deformable elements, at least two ofthe plurality of deformable elements formed using materials having adifferent mechanical properties.
 21. The method of claim 15 whereincoupling the heel member to the first portion of the lower surface ofthe flexible midsole member further comprises: detachably attaching theheel member to the lower surface of the flexible midsole member via thesecond attachment fixture.
 22. The method of claim 15 wherein couplingthe heel member to the first portion of the lower surface of the midsolemember further comprises: engaging a plurality of surface featuresdisposed across at least a portion of the upper surface the heel memberwith a corresponding plurality of surface features disposed across atleast a portion of the first portion of the lower surface of the midsolemember.
 23. The method of claim 15 wherein coupling the outsole memberto the second portion of the lower surface of the midsole member furthercomprises: coupling the outsole member to the second portion of thelower surface of the flexible midsole member, wherein the deformableoutsole portion comprises a plurality of deformable elements.
 24. Themethod of claim 23 wherein coupling the outsole member to the secondportion of the lower surface of the midsole member further comprises:coupling the outsole member to the second portion of the lower surfaceof the flexible midsole member, wherein the plurality of deformableelements comprise a plurality of linear or non-linear spring-massdampers.
 25. The method of claim 23 wherein coupling the outsole memberto the second portion of the lower surface of the midsole member furthercomprises: coupling the outsole member to the second portion of thelower surface of the midsole member, wherein the plurality of deformableelements comprise a plurality of deformable elements, each of theplurality of deformable elements formed using a material having the samemechanical properties.
 26. The method of claim 23 wherein coupling theoutsole member to the second portion of the lower surface of the midsolemember further comprises: coupling the outsole member to the secondportion of the lower surface of the midsole member, wherein theplurality of deformable elements comprise a plurality of deformableelements, at least two of the plurality of deformable elements formedusing materials having different mechanical properties.
 27. The methodof claim 15 wherein coupling the outsole member to the second portion ofthe lower surface of the midsole member further comprises: detachablyattaching the outsole member to the second portion of the lower surfaceof the midsole member via the third attachment fixture.
 28. The methodof claim 15 wherein coupling the outsole member to the second portion ofthe lower surface of the midsole member further comprises: engaging aplurality of surface features disposed across at least a portion of theupper surface the outsole member with a corresponding plurality ofsurface features disposed across at least a portion of the secondportion of the lower surface of the midsole member.